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Employment Transition Benefit

Lump-sum support for employment transition

Offered by
Government of Ontario
Official source: ontario.ca

Source change captured

Funding available
$ 500
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Who can apply
Recipients who exit ODSP because of earnings from employment or training, or income from the operation of a business
See full eligibility

Overview

This program provides a $500 lump-sum payment to help ODSP recipients transition to employment or self-employment. It supports recipients leaving income support due to employment, training, or business income.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$500
Minimum funding
$500
Financing goals
  • Ensure financial sustainability

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Ontario
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
All groups
Legal structures
Public or Parapublic institution

Start applying for this program

Take a practical assessment to gain a clear understanding of how well this program aligns with your specific needs and long-term goals.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 1

Latest changes

Employment transition benefit policy updated

The policy page now distinguishes ESUB from the Participation Benefit – ESUB at IES sites and revises the wording for up-front child care costs and the work-related benefit.

See more

The policy text now separates the Employment and Training Start-Up Benefit for non-Integrated Employment Services sites from the Participation Benefit – ESUB for IES sites, giving each a distinct purpose. It also changes up-front child care costs to cover participation in an approved employment assistance activity and revises the work-related benefit language to refer to an eligible family member in the benefit unit. The directive was updated in 2026, with the revised text showing an April 2026 policy version and a May 20, 2026 update date.

Official source: ontario.ca
October 12, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Recipients who exit ODSP because of earnings from employment or training, or income from the operation of a business

Who is not eligible

  • Benefit units that are not ineligible for income support for at least two months
  • Recipients who have already received the benefit within the last 12 months

Eligible geographic areas

  • Ontario

Selection criteria

  • Income must meet or exceed budgetary requirements.
  • Income must include employment, training, or self-employment earnings.
  • The caseworker must expect the situation to continue for at least two months.

Processing and Agreement

  • Eligibility is reviewed by the caseworker and Director.
  • The decision is based on expected income over at least two months.
  • If approved, the benefit is issued as a payment.
  • Overpayments may be established if later found ineligible.

Additional information

  • The benefit is paid as a one-time lump sum.
  • It can be received only once in any 12-month period.
  • If an overpayment is created, recovery rules may apply.

Official sources

5.3 - Deductions from employment and training income

Program guide

O. Reg. 222/98: GeneralO. Reg. 222/98: General
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Employment Transition Benefit Program

What is the Employment Transition Benefit?

This program provides a $500 lump-sum payment to help ODSP recipients transition to employment or self-employment. It supports recipients leaving income support due to employment, training, or business income.

How much funding can be received?

Employment Transition Benefit Funds up to $500 of admissible expenses.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who is eligible for the Employment Transition Benefit program?

To be eligible for the Employment Transition Benefit program, you must: ODSP Income Support recipient Employment, training, or business income Eligible for at least two months

Where is the Employment Transition Benefit available?

The Employment Transition Benefit program is available the province of Ontario.

Is the Employment Transition Benefit a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Employment Transition Benefit is a Grant and Funding

Who are the financial supporters of the Employment Transition Benefit?

Employment Transition Benefit is funded by Government of Ontario